While the Indian team were struggling at 221/7 in reply to Australia’s first innings total of 474 runs in the Melbourne Test, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar built up a historic partnership to rescue the visitors. 

Sensing the batting issue at present, India started the Melbourne Test with the deeper batting option. There was no doubt about the abilities of Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy’s batting. Despite playing his first Test series, the 21-year-old Reddy has always shown his incredible batting abilities according to the situation, and Sundar previously played important knocks with the bat. 

Reddy and Sundar set a 127-run partnership for the eighth wicket to rescue the visitors. While Sundar scored 50 runs, Reddy completed his maiden Test century soon after Sundar’s dismissal. Their partnership helped India to score 358/9 at the stumps of the third day.

Also Watch: Nitish Kumar Reddy celebrates his first Test fifty with Pushpa celebration

Second highest partnership (8th or lower wickets) for India in Australia

Reddy and Sundar’s 127-run partnership was India’s second-highest partnership for the eighth or lower wickets in Australia.

Sixth highest partnership (8th or lower wickets) for visitors in Australia

Meanwhile, the 127-run eighth-wicket partnership was the sixth-highest eighth or lower wickets partnership for any visiting team against the hosts Australia. 

Fourth highest partnership (8th or lower wickets) for India outside India

Also, the 127-run eighth-wicket partnership was India’s fourth-highest eighth or lower wickets partnership outside India. 

With the help of Nitish Kumar Reddy’s unforgettable maiden Test century and Washington Sundar’s brilliant half-century, India managed to bring some challenges for the hosts Australia in the Melbourne Test.

The third day of the fourth match of the five-match Test series started at 164/5 as Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja began the important day.

See Also: Rishabh Pant’s Bizarre Dismissal at MCG Sparks Sunil Gavaskar’s Furious Reaction-‘Stupid, Stupid, Stupid’

Pant and Jadeja lost wickets in the key moments

Starting the day with some nervy moments, Pant and Jadeja had a 32-run partnership for the sixth wicket before Pant lost his wicket to Scott Boland after attempting to scoop as Nathan Lyon took the catch at the third man. After scoring 28 off 37 balls with the help of three fours, Pant lost his wicket disappointedly. 

Jadeja had a little 30-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Nitish Kumar Reddy before Lyon dismissed him through an lbw. Jadeja lost his wicket for 17 runs as his review was unluckily resulted in the umpire’s call.

Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar set a hundred partnership

While Washington Sundar joined Reddy, India were struggling at 221/7, and they were still 54 runs away to avoid follow-on. Although the visitors were struggling, Reddy and Sundar set up a solid partnership to rescue the visitors. 

Reddy and Sundar continuously built up a solid partnership, while Reddy completed his first Test half-century in 81 balls. Even, they handled the second new ball really well. 

Sundar completed 50 runs, Reddy recorded his first Test century

Sundar reached his fourth Test half-century in 146 balls, while their eighth wicket partnership comfortably completed 100 runs. While Lyon finally broke that 127-run eighth-wicket partnership by dismissing Sundar for 50 runs off 162 balls (one four), the Aussie captain Pat Cummins dismissed Jasprit Bumrah for a duck, leaving Reddy's deserving first Test century dream in threat.

However, the last batter Mohammed Siraj didn’t disappoint with the bat, as Reddy completed his first Test century by hitting a four to Scott Boland. Soon the second rain interruption of the day ended the third day of the Melbourne Test very early with India’s first innings total of 358/9. The visitors are still 116 runs behind Australia’s first innings total of 474 runs.

As the countdown to the much-awaited Box Day Test draws to a close, India are all in readiness to make some surprising changes to their lineup in a bid to outclass Australia in the ongoing edition of the Border Gavaskar Trophy Test series. As per reports, it has been widely speculated that the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma may return to the top to open the batting with the swashbuckling batter Yashasvi Jaiswal in Melbourne. This claim has been placed by a journalist from the Times of India.

Such a reshuffling at the top of the order would see the in-form Kl Rahul go down and drop all the way to number three as claimed by Rohit Juglan, a RevSportz journalist on Twitter.

Breaking - Rohit Sharma to open - KL to play at 3 in MCG

— रोहित जुगलान Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) December 25, 2024

See also: Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024: AUS vs IND 4th Test, Match Prediction- Who Will Win Today?

Washington Sundar likely to team up with Jadeja as the second spinner at the MCG

Following the alteration of the Indian top order, the management is also mulling to bolster their spin department which has had very little role to play thus far in the series. As far as their expectations are concerned, the Indian team is of the opinion that the track in the MCG will suit the spinners during the latter stages of the Test match. 

Unsurprisingly, Ravindra Jadeja has emerged as the hot pick for the MCG showdown given his vast experience in the longest format, both with the bat and the ball. Furthermore, it is also believed that the management is leaning more towards securing the services of off-spin bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar and expects him to play a decisive role in the do-or-die fourth Test. If that were to happen, Nitish Kumar Reddy would have to drop out and make way for the spin-bowling all-rounder.

Rohit Sharma very likely to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul at No.3. Team considering two spinners - Washington Sundar could play in place of Nitish Reddy. But Rohit very likely to open tomorrow at MCG @toisports

— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) December 25, 2024

Was it right to sideline Nitish?  

A handful of experts suggest that the young seam-bowling all-rounder may have been hard done-by the management. Reddy presently ranks as the fourth-highest run scorer in the ongoing BGT 2024-25, having accumulated 179 runs across five innings, with an average exceeding 44 and a strike rate of 72. Additionally, he has proven to be a valuable pace bowler for the Indian cricket team, claiming three wickets in 27 overs during the current tour of Australia.

However, the management's desire to push for more experience seems very justified at this stage. Sundar was previously a part of the Indian squad in the earlier BGT edition in 2020-21 where he performed splendidly well, both with the bat and the ball, and bailed India out of danger on a number of occasions. 

From the highs of India's glorious Test win in Perth, the 10-time BGT title champs came crashing down in Adelaide where they were folded in less than two and half days on the back of a thumping 10-wicket defeat. Former Indian Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara commented on India's recent defeat in Adelaide and highlighted key changes that India must make ahead of their crucial third Test.

Pujara offers two possible solutions to India that can help them stay alive in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy (2024-25) series.  First, the 36-year-old stressed that an underperforming Ravi Ashwin must make way for Washington Sundar who had a sizeable impact in the first Test. And second, he insisted the Indian think tank to retain Harshit Rana for the third Test despite his hot-and-cold show in Adelaide. 

See also: WTC qualification scenarios for top four teams teams

So what's on Pujara's mind?

During his conversation with Star Sports, Pujara presents a visual depiction of what India's potential playing eleven may look like at the start of the third Test. He feels only one change may be necessary and R Ashwin can miss out due to his poor show with the bat in Adelaide. But at the same time, he expresses his support for Rana who failed to deliver an all-round impact with the bat and the ball.

“I feel only one change might happen. Since the batting wasn't good, Washington Sundar can come in place of R Ashwin. Should someone come in place of Harshit Rana? In my opinion, no. You backed him and he performed well in the first match.”

The suggestion to pick Sundar over Ashwin seems justified as Ashwin failed to help himself with the bat when his team needed him and only managed to pick up a sole wicket. Whereas on the contrary, Sundar is comparatively a more astute all-rounder and can come in more than handy with the bat in fairly tricky conditions. He showcased his class with the bat and the ball chipping in with a handy 29 in the second innings and picking 2-48 with the ball to hand India one of their biggest Test wins against Australia.

Rana showed a lot of promise with the ball in the first Test and picked up three crucial wickets in the first innings but failed to live up to the expectations when all eyes turned to the pink-ball Test. He proved to be very erratic with his control and leaked a significant chunk of runs while going completely wicketless.

Moreover, Pujara feels that removing a player after one ordinary performance can lead to a negative impact on a player's physiological health. 

As it stands

India's horror show with the bat has led to the undoing in the second Test. In both innings, team India failed to go past the 200-run mark. Moreover, the form of batting stalwarts such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli has also been a cause for concern. Apart from their brilliant fightback in Perth which saw them post 487 for the loss of six wickets, India's batting has lacked the edge and the resilience for which it had been so famously renowned for. 

With the series level at 1-1, India needs a win in Brisbane to keep their WTC aspirations alive. At present, the management is currently confronted with challenging choices concerning the selection of the playing eleven.

The Indian Premier League 2025 mega-auction in Jeddah has been nothing short of a sensational two days of intensive hammer sessions, with teams spending massive sums on a plethora of star cricketers. Despite the flash and expenditure of significant money, some other teams conducted their business very sensibly.

A few big-name stars went for a lower price than fans may have expected. Some franchises made good timing decisions and were fortunate to obtain away match-winners at a lower cost than expected. Having said that, here are the top five steal deals from the recent 2025 IPL Mega Auction.

Glenn Maxwell- INR 4.2 Crores (Punjab Kings)

Mighty Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell got a new side in the form of a homecoming with the Punjab Kings (played from 2014 to 2017 and 2020), obtaining a deal for INR 4.20 crore. The 36-year-old was released after three seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and instantly became a target for several teams.

Sunrisers Hyderabad started the bidding battle, followed by Chennai Super Kings until Punjab Kings won the sale at a lower price. PBKS took advantage of an excellent chance to boost its presence abroad for the next season. Maxwell's IPL career encompasses 134 matches and includes 2,771 runs at a strike rate of 156.73 and 37 wickets.

Sam Curran- INR 2.40 Crores (Chennai Super Kings)

Sam Curran is back in yellow; this time, he's a bargain at INR 2.4 crore. Curran's bowling at the death and ability to swing the new ball make him a valuable asset. Add to that his development as a pinch hitter capable of batting higher up the order, and you have the ideal all-rounder.

His flexibility bridges weaknesses in both the batting and bowling areas. Curran's return seems like a masterstroke, whether he's partnering Matheesha Pathirana in slog overs or adding depth to the batting lineup. In 59 IPL appearances for Chennai Super and Punjab Kings, he scored 883 runs and took 58 wickets.

Adam Zampa- INR 2.4 Crores (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Sunrisers Hyderabad made one of the finest moves of the IPL 2025 auction, signing Australian spinner Adam Zampa for only INR 2.40 crore, which helps fill their spinmeister's void. Following a brief bidding battle with the Rajasthan Royals, the seasoned leg-spinner was unexpectedly bought for nearly his introductory price of INR 2 crore.

His IPL career, which began with Rising Pune Supergiants in 2016, has seen noteworthy performances, including a spectacular 6/19 against his current side, SRH. As his history from spells at RCB and RR suggests, Zampa's arrival at this price range might be the season's best bargain. In his 14-match IPL career, he has 21 wickets at 7.74.

See Also: IPL 2025: Top 5 Shocking Unsold Star Players in the IPL history

Quinton de Kock- INR 3.6 Crores (Kolkata Knight Riders)

The defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, pulled off a masterstroke by signing South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock for only INR 3.60 crore. After the Lucknow Super Giants declined to use their Right to Match (RTM) card, KKR took the chance to improve their team. His probable connection with Sunil Narine at the top of the order will help the team get off to a solid start. 

With his recent international and franchised-based league performances, De Kock can give a vital, robust start to the team's batting. De Kock provides experience, having played 107 IPL matches and scored 3,157 runs, including 23 half-centuries and two centuries.  

Washington Sundar- INR 3.2 Crores (Gujarat Titans)

Washington Sundar was among the most remarkable Indian all-rounders at the auction, and many expected him to sell for a high price. However, he eventually signed with the Gujarat Titans for INR 3.20 crores. GT defeated Lucknow Super Giants in a bidding battle to gain his contract. 

He is a wily off-spinner who has recently been in excellent form. Sundar has played 60 IPL matches and taken 37 wickets at an economy rate of 7.54. He has also scored 378 runs with a strike rate of more than 116, which might help the Titans' lower middle-order batting lineup.

Chennai Super Kings is one such franchise that has enhanced the fame and definition of the Indian Premier League. Being a five-time champions side helmed under the captain cool, MS Dhoni, the Super Kings are prominent for the gameplay and their humongous fanbase. But, they had a forgettable 2024 stint, as they had closely missed qualifying for the playoffs, citing significant issues regarding players' inconsistency and the injury of leading campaigners.

But, with the Mega Auction coming ahead, the Yellove army will get a chance to restructure their team and plan for the long term, as a few of them from the roster will likely play their last in the times ahead. Based on the released retention list and voids present on the side, here is a list of the five players that Chennai Super Kings should try for in the coming 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant should be on the team's player acquisition plans' significant target list. The primary reason behind this would be evident amongst several cricket fanatics. With Mahendra Singh Dhoni possibly playing his last IPL after his cornerstone contributions to the cricketing world, Chennai Super Kings would be eager to acquire the services of an emerging wicketkeeper batter.

Since his IPL inception, Pant has been part of Delhi Capitals for over seven editions, implying his pivotal impact creation for his roster. But, with him parting ways from his career shuttler, it will be intriguing to see if Rishabh Pant would be a part of a team with his idol. After making a stellar comeback from a life-threatening injury, he has made 446 runs in 13 matches, averaging over 41. 

Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin has been one of the cornerstones of the Indian spinners ecosystem. But, before making a mark on the International cricket space, Ashwin was a part of the Yellow squad since its inception. He evolved as one of the best spinmeisters across all game formats, especially in the red-ball format.

Though Ashwin has played for four teams, Rajasthan Royals being the recent one, his consistency and intent must be the major USP. Also, with his recent dominance as one of the best bowlers in test cricket, the local boy wouldn't mind returning to the side that has given him all. The Super Kings will target to have an experienced spinner, and he can prove to be their best option. In the previous edition, he had scalped nine wickets in 15 matches at an economy of eight. 

Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar would be one of the players under the Super Kings auction management's auction radar, thanks to his impeccable performance in their recent whitewash campaign by New Zealand, where his spinning efforts went in vain. Many fanatics would vividly remember his batting contributions in the nick of time during the previous 2022 Border-Gavasker Trophy down under.

Sundar, who played for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2024, was not retained by his franchise and will be auctioned off. With Chennai retaining Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube ahead of the auction, another all-rounder could do them good. With the side requiring a long-term emerging spinner, Sundar can cater to those needs, and his local roots act as the cherry on top. In 2024, he didn't get a chance to display his calibre and scalped just one wicket in two appearances. 

Also Read: IPL 2025: Top 5 Best Retentions during the 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Devon Conway

Devon Conway is seen to be one of the players that the five-time winners may exercise their Right-to-Match (RTM) option or pay big for in the mega auction. The group is recognised for its stability and consistency and has placed a high faith level in its overseas players, with Devon Conway has maintained that tradition.

He missed the IPL 2024 season with a thumb injury, and his absence contributed to the franchise's failure to qualify for the playoffs. The Southern side should be eager to get him back into the auction. In his memorable 2023 stint, he has made a colossal 672 runs in 16 matches, averaging over 49.

Rachin Ravindran

Rachin Ravindra is currently one of the intriguing and emerging stars in world cricket, and he's mainly performed brilliantly in the Indian sub-continent, with his recent performance in the clean sweep India test series and the 2023 World Cup.

A calm demeanour, 24 years of age, a match-winner with the bat, and a handy spinner – all elements of Rachin Ravindra are perfect for the team to acquire him for long-term purposes. Though he had a shaky start in his first IPL appearance, his calibre signifies promise, which the Chennai Super Kings highly need. In 2024, he has made just 220 runs in ten matches, but it will be a terrain of a task for the side as many sides are willing to bid for him in the forthcoming Mega Auction.

After a day of gripping cricket, New Zealand managed to edge ahead with a lead of 149 runs as India struggled to rein in Mitchell and Young’s strong batting performance. Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja led India’s bowling with impactful spells, but New Zealand’s middle-order resilience put them in the driver’s seat.

Early success for Indian bowlers as Sundar and Jadeja shine

India struck early, with Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja picking up key wickets to put New Zealand on the back foot. Sundar bowled beautifully, dismissing New Zealand's Tom Latham for 28, his delivery drifting in and breaking past the outside edge to uproot Latham’s off-stump. Ravindra Jadeja, meanwhile, kept things tight from the other end and managed to bag a five-wicket haul, delivering a masterclass of spin on the lively pitch.

Despite India’s early gains, New Zealand’s Mitchell and Young resisted with patience and precision. Young struck a composed 71 before Jadeja claimed his wicket with a well-placed delivery that found its way to Rohit Sharma at slip. Mitchell, however, was the standout performer, posting a gritty 82 with some well-timed boundaries and towering sixes, making India’s bowlers toil for every wicket.

See Also: Fans criticize Kohli’s focus after quick run-out in Mumbai Test

New Zealand's middle-order resilience secure the lead

Daryl Mitchell's steadfast approach paid off, even as wickets fell around him. His powerful hitting displayed both control and aggression, including a massive six off Sundar that reached the top tier, thrilling fans and teammates alike. He and Will Young’s partnership added crucial runs, pushing New Zealand’s total to 235 before Sundar managed a final breakthrough, claiming Ajaz Patel’s wicket after he misjudged a drifting delivery that struck him plumb in front.

While Sundar and Jadeja dominated the wicket tally, India’s bowlers had little answer to New Zealand’s composed middle-order play. Jadeja’s fifth wicket of the innings, however, gave India a glimmer of hope as he bowled Matt Henry with a delivery that spun away sharply. New Zealand eventually closed the innings at 235, leaving India with a deficit of 149 runs to overcome as they prepare for Day 2.

On the opening day of the third Test at the Wankhede Stadium, New Zealand’s Will Young fought back valiantly after an early setback against India’s disciplined spin attack. Opting to bat, New Zealand faced some early struggles as Washington Sundar’s incisive spell claimed two quick wickets. However, Young’s gritty innings kept the visitors in the contest as he notched up a well-deserved fifty, taking New Zealand to 130/3 by the second session.

Sundar’s spell brings India back into the game

After New Zealand lost Devon Conway early to Akash Deep, the visitors found a brief reprieve with a 44-run stand between Tom Latham and Will Young. But Washington Sundar’s entrance turned the tables for India. With his flight and drift troubling the New Zealand batters, Sundar struck a decisive blow by dismissing Latham, who misjudged the line and had his stumps rattled. The off-spinner continued his spell of dominance, delivering another similar beauty to bowl Rachin Ravindra, who was left shaking his head as he walked off. Sundar’s 2-26 provided India with critical breakthroughs, keeping the game evenly poised.

See Also: IPL 2025: Players retained by each team; Retention rules explained

Will Young’s gritty fifty rescues New Zealand

Despite the setbacks, Young displayed resilience and continued to score freely when opportunities arose. As the Indian spinners began to find more grip off the pitch, Young reached his fifty with a commanding six straight down the ground, showcasing his confidence and determination. Alongside Daryl Mitchell, he ensured New Zealand avoided further damage, with the pair steadying the innings through the growing turn and bounce on offer. At 60 off 115 deliveries, Young’s innings was a testament to his focus and skill, as he faced down India’s spinners and kept New Zealand in the fight.

As the second session progresses, the Wankhede surface is starting to offer more assistance to the spinners, which could make batting even more challenging for New Zealand. Ravindra Jadeja has already shown signs of turn, and the Indian bowlers will look to capitalize on the conditions to keep the pressure on the visiting side.

In a gripping day's play at Pune, New Zealand's decision to bat first on a turning track seemed to hold promise early on, but India clawed their way back into the contest thanks to Washington Sundar’s magical spell. The Black Caps, led by Tom Latham, started on the front foot with solid contributions from their top five batters. Devon Conway (76) and Rachin Ravindra (65) played pivotal roles, building crucial partnerships of 62 and 59 runs, respectively, with the likes of Will Young and Daryl Mitchell chipping in. The visitors appeared in control with two fifty-plus stands, and India had to be patient during these passages of play.

However, the match turned sharply in India's favor after Tea when Washington Sundar was reintroduced into the attack. Ravichandran Ashwin (3/64) had already done the early damage, surpassing Nathan Lyon on the all-time wicket-takers list with three crucial strikes. But it was Sundar's brilliance that dismantled the Kiwis' middle and lower order. Sundar’s career-best figures of 7/59 stunned New Zealand, who went from a promising position to being bowled out for 259 in just 79.1 overs. His relentless off-spin left the visitors clueless, as the Tamil Nadu spinner ripped through the lineup, ensuring that India ended the day in a balanced position despite New Zealand's early control.

See Also:  Kagiso Rabada Joins the Elite 300-Wicket Club in Test Cricket

Washington Sundar's Wickets contact points 

Washington Sundar delivered a stellar performance in the Test match against New Zealand, marking his return to the longest format of the game with a memorable 10-wicket haul. His spell not only highlighted his skill but also showcased his tactical brilliance on a pitch that favored turn. After a patient start by the New Zealand batters, Sundar unleashed a flurry of deliveries that left them clueless. His combination of sharp turn and precise lengths made it difficult for the visitors to settle, despite their promising start.

New Zealand, having won the toss and opted to bat on a turning track, looked comfortable initially with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra contributing half-centuries. The two built partnerships that kept the Kiwis in a strong position. However, as soon as Washington Sundar was brought into the attack, things shifted dramatically. His relentless pressure, combined with Ravichandran Ashwin's early strikes, set up the perfect stage for Sundar to run through the middle and lower order of New Zealand.

Sundar's 10-wicket haul, highlighted by his ability to exploit the conditions perfectly, saw him claim wickets through a mix of bowled, caught, and LBW dismissals. As the image analysis shows, his wickets came from a variety of deliveries, each targeting different parts of the stumps and around the crease. His precision in dismissing the batters reflected his mastery of line and length. The variation in his deliveries—whether turning away or sliding through—was key to confusing the New Zealand batters.

The graphic further underlines how Sundar's accuracy paid off. The contact points of the dismissals show that Sundar was able to consistently target the stumps, forcing mistakes and either bowling batters or trapping them leg-before-wicket. His control over his deliveries ensured that New Zealand’s lower order had no answer to his spin, and they crumbled in quick succession after appearing well set earlier in the day.

This performance by Sundar marks not just a personal milestone with career-best figures but also highlights his growing stature in India’s Test setup. His ability to control the game in crucial moments, especially on turning tracks, could make him an indispensable asset in future home series. For now, this match will be remembered as the one where Sundar made a statement, announcing his return in the grandest fashion.

See Also: Does constant role change affect KL Rahul’s batting performance?

Indian off-spinner Washington Sundar picks up his career-best figures of 7-59 to bundle out New Zealand on 259 on Day 1 of the 2nd Test. He made his comeback into the test side after 3 years and bowled a best spell for the hosts. His first wicket was the in-form NZ All-Rounder Rachin Ravindra who was the Player of the Match in 1st Test as well. Sundar bowling around the wicket drifted on off and the ball turned sharply.

Sundar then picked up the wicket of NZ wicketkeeper Tom Blundell and restricted visitors to 201-5 at the Tea. After Tea, he cleaned up Daryl Mitchell with a LBW claiming his 3rd scalp. Tim Southee, who scored 65(73) in the First Test, scored only 5(8) today and was the 5th scalp for Sundar today. Sundar later picked up wickets of Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner and claimed his career-best figures of 7 for 59 in 23.1 overs. Washington Sundar's Test Bowling average before the Pune test was 49.83 and now after claiming 7/59 his bowling average is 27.53.